Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce is a rich and flavorful sauce that takes simple ingredients and transforms them into something extraordinary. Roasting the garlic and tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and brings out deep, savory notes that elevate this sauce far beyond the typical tomato sauce. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes, this sauce adds a robust flavor to any meal. Whether you use fresh summer tomatoes or canned, the roasted garlic gives it a delicious complexity, making it a go-to sauce for any Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 ripe tomatoes (or 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes)
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Garlic and Tomatoes for Roasting: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it in foil. Cut the tomatoes in half (if using fresh) and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast the Garlic and Tomatoes: Place the baking sheet with the tomatoes and the wrapped garlic in the oven. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and caramelized, and the garlic is golden and tender. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Cook the Onion: In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them with a fork. Add the roasted tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to the skillet with the onions, along with the mashed garlic, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Blend the Sauce (Optional): For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender to purée until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, leave the sauce as is.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the fresh basil and let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.
- Serve: Serve your Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce over pasta, use it as a pizza base, or spoon it over roasted vegetables or meat.
This sauce is versatile, bursting with the deep, roasted flavors of garlic and tomatoes, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
